This handcut collage piece stars an image of Tulsa artist @branjaemusic from an Oklahoma Today (@oklahomatoday) magazine article written by Kashea McCowan (@kasheacecille) published in Sep/Oct 2020 atop an image of Venus I found in one of my space/astronomy books.

When I placed the model atop of Venus, I knew I had to guide her coming out of the Rosette Nebula, Oklahoma’s official Deep Sky Object. I never know where my collage pieces are going to take me. It’s a beautiful reminder to enjoy the journey of creating instead of focusing on the outcome and what I’m going to get out it.

Jackson Pollack stated once saying “The painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through.” This applies to any kind of art medium. We are the instrument more than the author of our work.

The art already existed in its entirety. All I did is listen for it, watch it with my mind’s eye, and get it down. To allow and welcome whatever vulnerable experiences my heart wants to explore and share.

This collage work is currently on display at First Bethany Bank for their Community Art Initiative in Bethany, Oklahoma. Listed for sale for $125.